1 A dog’s nose
North Carolina author Cat Warren will discuss her book “What the Dog Knows: Scent, Science and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perceive the World.” To harness the energy of her German shepherd, Solo, the pair trained to be a cadaver search team. Warren dives into the world of today’s working dogs, from drug- and bomb-detecting K-9s to rescue dogs, while showcasing the training and science behind these powerful canine noses. Warren will speak at 4 p.m. March 14 at Vintage Books, 6613 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. 360-694-9519 or www.vintage-books.com
2 Bricks upon Bricks
LEGO fans young and old from around the region will show off their creations at Bricks Cascade. The public exhibition is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 14 and 15 at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Portland. There also will be vendors selling different sets, custom LEGO pieces or themed items. Tickets are $8, $28 for a family, and free for ages 3 and younger. www.brickscascade.com
3 Humorous take on Hitchcock flick
Washougal High Performing Arts turns a famed thriller on its head in “Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps.” The 1935 film about a man being pulled into the world of spies is translated through a comic filter in this stage adaptation. A cast of 20 actors will play more than 150 roles. The performance begins at 7 p.m. March 13-14 and March 21-22 at the Washburn Auditorium, Washougal High School, 1201 39th St., Washougal. Tickets are $6, and $5 for students and seniors. 360-954-3136 or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1337598
4 Brain power
Learn about the adaptive power of your mind during the OHSU Brain Fair. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, see real human brains on display, meet Oregon Health & Science University neuroscientists and take part in science demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14 at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 1945 S.E. Water Ave., Portland. Admission to the fair is free, with $4 for parking. Museum admission is not included. 800-955-6674 or www.omsi.edu
